Changing Gears

Armstrong Coming Back As Part Of Team Astana

After weeks of speculation about the details of Lance Armstrong's return to cycling, the seven-time Tour de France winner today officially announces his comeback plans. Armstrong will return to cycling at Australia's Tour Down Under as part of Johan Bruyneel's Team Astana, with his eyes focused on competing in the ‘09 Tour de France. Sports doping expert Don Catlin will head Armstrong's much-publicized testing program, through which the cyclist has pledged to make public all of his results. He will also create a new team for young riders, to be sponsored by Trek. Armstrong reiterates that the comeback is not fueled by his competitive fire as much as it is the desire to spread his Livestrong campaign to a global audience. Armstrong: “For me, the number one priority is the message.” But '07 Tour de France champ Alberto Contador says he will leave Team Astana if Armstrong comes aboard.